Episodic Directors Panel

Deadline to RSVP is November 5 at noon PT.

When: 7 - 8:30 p.m., Thursday, November 7

Where: SAG-AFTRA Plaza
James Cagney Boardroom – Lobby Level
5757 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Join the L.A. M.O.R.E. Committee for a special evening with episodic directors as we discuss the onset collaboration and partnership between director and actor. Learn from the director's unique perspective on the casting process and creative conversations of pre-production. What our actor/directors have learned through expanding their careers and being part of an episode from pre to post-production. This conversation is designed to educate and empower actors to walk on set and into their callbacks with confidence! Our incredible panelists will share the lessons they've learned in production, the mentors and partnerships that have supported their creative journey along with stories from some of our favorite shows!

Panelists:

• Eric Dean Seaton | With a Daytime Emmy nomination and three NAACP Image Award wins, Eric Dean Seaton stands out as one of the most dynamic storytellers in television, seamlessly crossing genres and styles. His episodic work includes Will Trent, High Potential, Superman and Lois, Supergirl, The Flash, and All American: Homecoming. Seaton directed, and executive produced Average Joe. In the world of single-camera, he has contributed to hits like Modern Family, Black-ish, & The Goldbergs. In multi-camera, Raven’s Home. His work in variety includes the beloved All That making him one of very few directors to successfully navigate every style of narrative television.
• Mary Lou Belli | A two-time Emmy award-winner, Mary Lou Bell has been directing television for over 30 years in many genres from sitcoms to procedurals to documentaries. Through her teaching, she supports many of the vibrant diversity programs including the DGA, ABC/Disney, CBS, Sony, HBO Access, AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, and Warner Bros. Directing Workshop mentoring the next generation of directors. She is the co-author of four books: The NEW Sitcom Career Book, Acting for Young Actors, PERFORM: Acting for the Screen and  Directors Tell the Story which she co-wrote with fellow DGA member Bethany Rooney.
• Jes Macallan | Macallan's passion for storytelling as a director (and actor) thrives with a deep and meaningful character driven script. Macallan's acting career is extensive, including upwards of 130 episodes of television. In retrospect, early on in her acting career she was inclined to pursue her ever-present passion for directing and she began shadowing veteran directors she admired. Her performance background affords her a profound understanding of character exploration on screen which is reflective in her process as a filmmaker. Following a recent series wrap on DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Macallan went on to direct All Rise & All American: Homecoming.

Questions? Contact LARSVP@sagaftra.org

RSVP Required: Log in to see the form below and RSVP by November 5 at noon PT.

No late admittance. Doors will close at the beginning of the event. RSVPs do not guarantee seating. These events are overbooked to compensate for no-shows.

This event is only open to active SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2024 or April 30, 2025). Bring your membership card or digital card on your app for admittance. No guests are allowed. Performers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

ADA requests may be included on the RSVP form below. ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event.

Sponsorship of this panel is not intended to imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement of any participating individual or company. Any information provided at the panel is given for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for your own good judgment. You should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided at this event.

Panelists are subject to change without notification.